Dr. Akber Mithani says it's important to take precautions when fasting up to 19 hours a day

The holy month of Ramadan began today, with Muslims across B.C. joining millions of their brethren around the world by fasting from dawn until dusk and observing other religious rituals.

Ramadan is set on the lunar calendar, meaning the dates change from year to year. And this year, the month of Ramadan coincides once again with the summer solstice and the longest days of the year.

That means those observing Ramadan will have to fast for up to 19 hours a day.

"What's important is that when an individual is fasting for that length of time, that they take appropriate precautions," said Dr. Akber Mithani, a general practitioner with Fraser Health.

"It's important overall that they're prepared for this holy month of Ramadan in such a way that they're able to carry out the rituals in an appropriate way, but that they're physically able to also carry out the worship and the spirituality that goes with [it]."